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April 4, 2016

Volunteering is too good to miss

Bob Burt, volunteer reading partner in Oakland, CA

Bob is a volunteer reading partner at Allendale Elementary School in Oakland. Bob began tutoring with Reading Partners after finding out about the program at a local volunteer fair at UC Berkeley for the Cal Retiree Association. Although he had already been volunteering as a mentor with another organization, he was intrigued by Reading Partners’ curriculum driven approach and flexibility to meet each student’s individual needs. Once he started working in the reading center, he was impressed by the consistent on-site advice and support from his site coordinator.

Bob is now in his third year as a reading partner, and has been paired with a first grade student named Kevin*. Kevin began the year in the emerging reader curriculum where he was very shy and anxious about reading. With Bob’s attention and experience, Kevin grew more enthusiastic, comfortable, and eager to read. He quickly made progress and moved up an entire curriculum level!

Bob finds every session rewarding:

I’ve committed three years because it’s very gratifying and it has become part of my life. I work other things around tutoring because I enjoy it so much.

Bob is looking forward to seeing Kevin catch up to grade level proficiency, and he has already agreed to come back as a tutor for his fourth school year. 

*Student names have been changed to comply with student privacy laws.


Celebrate National Volunteer Week with Reading Partners! Share your story of volunteering on our website or use #ProudReadingPartner on social media.

Read more stories on our blog.

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